Not only can you enjoy beautiful scenery for your hunt, but you can also bring home wild game you may not be able to hunt on the mainland, like mouflon sheep. You'll also have ample opportunity to hunt feral hogs. If you live on any of the islands, you may already understand that Hawaii hunts are like nothing else.
So, before you dismiss Hawaii as a place you shouldn't plan to hunt, check out our guide! We've gathered the information you need about season dates, hunting licenses, bag limits, and more.
When Can I Hunt in Hawaii?
Our guide to the hunting seasons in Hawaii below will help you pinpoint the dates to purchase tags and permits and hunt.
Note that Hawaii typically announces open season dates for the different islands via announcements throughout the year. So, while the information we provide in this resource is the latest available from Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), we recommend consistently checking their website for updates throughout the year.
We'll also update this guide with the latest season information as new details become available.
Hawaii Hunting Season Dates 2026–2027 | |
|---|---|
Hunting on Hawaii Big Island
| Kauai IslandFeral Goats 2026:
Feral Pigs:
Deer (Archery, Units F, J, K, and L): September 1 – December 31, 2026
Youth, Senior, and Disabled (Muzzleloader, Unit A): June 13 – 14, 2026 Game Birds: The state has not yet confirmed the dates below.
|
Lanai Island
| Oahu HuntingDates below are pending final confirmation from the State of Hawaii.
|
Island of MauiDates below are pending final confirmation from the State of Hawaii.
| Moloka'i IslandDates below are pending final confirmation from the State of Hawaii.
|
What are the Bag Limits in Hawaii?
How many feral sheep, pheasants, or axis deer can you bring home this year? To comply with hunting laws in Hawaii, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal you plan to hunt.
Check with official resources to confirm bag limits before heading out for a hunt.
What Do I Need to Know About Hawaii Hunting Regulations?
Hunters must pass an online hunter education course before they are eligible for a hunting permit in Hawaii. Once you get your hunter education card, you're ready to hunt!
Then, pay close attention to the purchase or application dates for the various islands and game animals you plan to hunt. Some tags are awarded by a lottery draw. You'll also need a game bird stamp to hunt birds.
When heading out for your hunt, be sure to check in. Hawaii required hunters to check in at an established hunter check-in station or via the OuterSpatial app.
Why Do Hunters Hunt in Hawaii?
As we mentioned, you'll see things you probably can't find near home on the mainland. There are exciting opportunities to hunt feral hogs, axis deer, Mouflon sheep, and small game birds throughout the islands.
So, whether you live on the Hawaiian islands or plan to travel there for a hunting trip, it's an excellent state for a hunt this year.
Where Should I Hunt?
You'll need to island hop to get the full experience, or you can choose the island with the wild game and available dates that fit your schedule.
When you get there, you’ll experience a range of terrain — from bamboo forests to plateaus, coastal areas, and volcanoes. So, pack accordingly based on where and what you plan to hunt.
As you plan your hunt, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best hunting areas before you arrive in Hawaii. When hunting in Hawaii this year, use the many map layers in the app to scout and mark the best places to hunt. You can also use HuntWise to find private vs. public land and understand those boundaries.
What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?
When hunting in Hawaii, you need the right gear!
Successful hunts require gear like a good pair of binoculars, the right clothing (depending on the season), a good rifle for firearm hunts, and the right pair of binoculars.
Remember: As you get geared up for the season, you can use your gear discounts through our HuntWise partners. From odor control to clothing and optics, HuntWise hunting app users can save hundreds on gear.
HuntWise is Your Guide to Hunting in Hawaii
A hunt on the islands of Hawaii is sure to be a memorable experience. Plan a trip to bring home an exotic game animal while enjoying beautiful scenery and a trip of a lifetime.
What else do you need for success when hunting in Hawaii? The HuntWise hunting app! The app helps you scout and plan your hunt before heading out, giving you an advantage over other hunters. Choose the island and game animals you'd like to hunt, then dig into HuntWise maps and overlays to get a lay of the land.
HuntWise is the ultimate tool for e-scouting and planning hunts. Plus, Elite subscribers get access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of weather and animal activity forecasting.
Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates and details October 12, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to some of the top questions about hunting in Hawaii!
Q: When can you hunt in Hawaii?
A: In Hawaii, hunting seasons vary by species and island, but many game animals (like feral pigs and goats) can be hunted year-round. Specific seasons apply for deer and birds.
Q: What deer can you hunt in Hawaii?
A: In Hawaii, you can hunt axis deer, black-tailed deer, and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids (often managed like big game).
Q: What is the best Hawaiian island to hunt?
A: Maui is widely considered the best Hawaiian island to hunt, especially for axis deer. Lanai is also popular for controlled hunts.
Q: Can tourists hunt in Hawaii?
A: Yes, tourists can hunt in Hawaii. Non-residents can hunt but must purchase a Hawaii hunting license and may need additional permits depending on the area.
Q: Are there any whitetail deer in Hawaii?
A: No. Hawaii does not have native or established populations of whitetail deer.
Q: Can you use a rifle to hunt in Hawaii?
A: Yes, rifles are allowed for certain hunts and areas in Hawaii, but regulations vary by island, species, and hunting unit, so you must check local rules.
